Milk Thistle

[alimel]

Buddy had his annual check up today. Since he is on Phenobarbital, the vet always checks his liver since long term use of the drug could damage his liver. My husband discussed the herb "Milk Thistle" with the vet as he takes this daily due to the fact he works with pesticides, he wanted to know if Buddy should be taking this as a precaution. The vet wants to see how his blood work looks in a few days before starting him on this supplement, however, the studies are promising:

"Research suggests that milk thistle extracts both prevent and repair damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and medications".

Is anyone familiar with this?

[FourIsCompany]

If Buddy were my dog, I'd be giving it to him. Here's a couple of helpful websites.

Milk Thistle for Dogs on Phenobarbital

More on Milk Thistle for Dogs

[alimel]

Originally Posted by FourIsCompany

If Buddy were my dog, I'd be giving it to him. Here's a couple of helpful websites.

Milk Thistle for Dogs on Phenobarbital

More on Milk Thistle for Dogs

This is good information, we want to give this to Buddy now to avoid any damage later. I don't want to wait until his levels are elevated. I always say it is better to be pro active than reactive

[bdrcol22]

All my dogs get vit E and Milk Thistle to be proactive. Back when I had a dog with elevated liver enzymes, we put her on it and it corrected the problem. I would not hesitate to use it at all.

[weezyNollie]

Look into the products -- Denamarin, Marin and/or Denosyl.

Denamarin is a combination of Marin and Denosyl, made by Nutramax (who make Cosequin).

It's a milk thistle/adenosyl (sam-E) product to help with liver patients.

[Aly]

Yes, I would also give it to Buddy. Mine get a drop of apple cider vinegar in their water to prevent infection, kill bacteria and help with their digestive system. It is also said to boost the immune systems. My birds get it too.

[athena1]

Yes , it is a great product. Being a novice bodybuilder and I have done shows, we (natural B.B) used it when it was ok to take pro hormones - it helps detoxify the liver.

[Cearbhaill]

It is my understanding that milk thistle (like many herbs) is best used in 30 day cycles- 30 days on, 30 days off- that is how we have always used it.

But yes, in cases of liver issues or anything toxicity related I would absolutely use milk thistle in the highest quality form I could find.

[fairlight]

I'm wondering if Milk Thistle will interfere or block any medications you are already taking.

[Cearbhaill]

It's always a good idea to check with a doctor/vet, but I have never had either tell me not to take it in conjunction with medications.
It is simply a herb that both prevents liver damage and helps the liver in its ability to rebuild itself from prior damage.